Hungarian government threatens EU values and undermines its institutions – European Parliament

The European Parliament has condemned the deliberate, continuous and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government to undermine fundamental EU values.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the European Parliament

Details: MEPs expressed grave concern about Hungary's continued erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in a resolution adopted on Thursday by 345 votes in favour, 104 against, and 29 abstentions. This deterioration was specifically brought about by the recently adopted "national sovereignty protection" package, which has been compared to Russia's notorious "foreign agents law".

The MEPs also denounced Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s actions last December, which he carried out "in full disrespect and violation of the EU's strategic interests and in violation of the principle of sincere cooperation", in obstructing a crucial decision to revise the EU's long-term budget, which included a package of assistance for Ukraine.

They emphasised that the EU must not succumb to blackmail.

The Parliament called on the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed "serious and persistent breaches of EU values" under a more direct procedure provided for in Article 7(2) of the EU Treaty.

The resolution deplores the European Commission’s decision to unlock up to €10.2 billion of previously frozen funds despite Hungary’s failure to implement the necessary reforms to ensure the independence of the judiciary.

The MEPs also condemned the Hungarian government's systemic discriminatory practices against academics, journalists, political parties and civil society when allocating funds.

The European Parliament also questioned whether the Hungarian government will be able to fulfil its duties in the second half of 2024 with regard to voting in the Council of the European Union, warning that if the post of President of the European Council is vacant, those duties will fall on the Prime Minister of Hungary.

Quote: "MEPs ask the Council to find proper solutions to mitigate these risks, and call for reforms to the Council’s decision-making process, to end the abuse of the right of veto and blackmail."

It should be noted that European Parliament resolutions are not binding.

Background: 

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted earlier that Hungary will not be able to access roughly €20 billion in EU funding until all requirements are met.
• Finnish MEP Petri Sarvamaa had previously proposed that the procedure under Article 7(2) of the EU Treaty should be applied with respect to Hungary. It provides for the possibility of suspending certain rights, including voting rights in the EU Council, if a state has repeatedly violated EU values.

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